Headbolts and the water jacket.

What do you guys put on the threads of headbolts that go through the water jacket?

I've seen guys use everything form Form-a-gasket copper to Plumbers pipe dope (Teflon pipe sealant).

What do you guys that build 'em for a living use?
All the manuals say is to use a "Non hardening thread sealer".
So, come on, let's here it.
The good, the bad, and the ugly.

What are the reasons NOT to use some of the above mentioned items.

Hopefully, this will be a learning experience for at least a few of you.

Keep on building,
Steve

 

My Dad always used copper fel pro without any problems, so that's what I use. I've also seen people use that Indian Head gasket sealant.

 

Aviation #2 Permatex has been the choice for about 70 years. Seals great but allows the bolts to be easily removed.

 

I build engines daily at work, and the only thing we use is pipe dope. Never had a problem with it. Detroit Diesels (take it for what it's worth) use something called international compound. It looks like peanut ****er.

 

Permatex P.S.T.--Pipe sealant with teflon. it seals and does not affect the torque ratio when the fastner get cinched.

 

i use teflon pipe sealant, although I used to use Permatex Aviation sealer. Either one shoudld work fine.

I would not use the copper stuff, I don't think it's enough like glue to do the job.

 

#2 ****** errr rector seal available at any plumbing supply

 

we have a thing is Australia called "gm sealant" which is for head bolts that go into water jackets, is there nothing similar for yanky gm motors? its what most people here use. its expensive and getting hard to get, but lasts forever.